A private healthcare group has launched a recruitment drive for 1,000 new members of staff.
Exemplar Health Care has announced it is creating the associate carer roles at its facilities across Yorkshire and the Humber, North West, North East and Midlands.
Created as a new role, associate carers will provide companionship and support for people living with complex needs in one of the Rotherham-based company's 32 homes.
It said this new position was specifically tailored to those looking for extra work during the coronavirus crisis such as employees from the hospitality and leisure sectors, as well as those who are interested in starting a career in care.
All associate carers will initially be hired on a temporary basis, with the potential to lead to full-time, permanent roles, and the positions are classed as ‘key workers' under the Government's directives on working during the crisis.
Exemplar Health Care is a specialist nursing care home provider and supports adults with complex needs such as people living with neuro-disabilities, mental health conditions, learning disabilities and dementia.
HR director Lynne Waters said: "The need for care home workers is rising, especially during this time when many of our most vulnerable residents need extra support to stay safe and when more colleagues than usual might be off work.
"We are hoping to find new staff members to support us in our efforts to ensure that people can still access the high-quality care they need while also enriching their lives in the best way that we can.
"Being a companion, encouraging people to get involved in activities and supporting people at meal times are all part of the role of an associate carer."
Referring to the current pandemic, she added: "We've implemented a number of precautionary measures and are closely monitoring the Government's guidelines and advice to ensure your safety, should you start working at Exemplar Health Care.
"We're working with our external suppliers, relatives and visitors to reduce unnecessary visits to our homes.
"Our homes have increased their daily cleaning schedules and we're providing extra supplies of cleaning products to ensure everyone living and working in our homes stays well."
